Claremont to vote on $12.5m for school renovations

By MEGHAN PIERCEUnion Leader Correspondent

CLAREMONT - The Claremont School District Annual Meeting Warrant - including articles for a $12.5 million bond to renovate and expand Stevens High School, a $32 million budget and $6 million for wood pellet boiler systems for all district schools - was moved to the March Annual Meeting with no amendments.

Voters met at the Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center Wednesday night for the deliberative session. The ballot voting second session of Town Meeting is planned for March 12 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Article 2, the proposed $12.5 million bond to renovate the high school, would address several code deficiencies including new code compliant electrical wiring, fire safety and ADA compliance for handicap accessibility for all doors, bathrooms and building levels. It would also include the removal of hazardous waste including lead paint, asbestos on pipes and asbestos tile flooring.

The cafeteria would be expanded to allow all students access during lunch. Parking would be reconfigured and walkways would be created to improve pedestrian safety. The project would also replace roofs that have out-lived their warranties.

Many of the improvements are required in order for the building to retain accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The bond article requires three-fifths of the votes and would have an anticipated 30-cent impact on the tax rate in its first year.

Article 4 asks voters to approve a lease purchase agreement for wood pellet boilers and energy equipment for the district's three elementary schools, Claremont Middle School and Stevens High School. The total cost of the installation and equipment comes to $6.1 million and would be spread out over 20-year lease payments of $330,000 a year. The article only requires a majority vote and would not have an impact on the tax rate, according to the school district.

If you have a bad case of cabin fever, we've searched for a cure across the state from Jackson to Keene and everywhere in between. So shake off the blues with our picks of the Top 10 Things to Do in...

As part of the new Londonderry Travel Plaza at Exit 5 off I-93, the 9,000-square-foot retail store is adjacent to a 24-hour Red Arrow Diner, a Sunoco Travel Center complete with convenience store and... 0

The award recognizes Salem area residents for their significant work toward improving the lives of children in Greater Salem in the areas of learning, family wellness and early development, according... 0

A variety of art classes have been scheduled in March for seniors at the Londonderry Senior Center, 535 Mammoth Road. Preregistration is required, with payment due at signup. All of the classes are... 0